Odoo's purchasing module handles the entire flow: vendor register, requests for quotation (RFQ), purchase orders, receiving, and vendor invoices. All connected to inventory and accounting.
Vendor register
Each vendor is a contact (res.partner) with a vendor flag. Price lists per vendor: product X costs 45 SEK from vendor A and 52 SEK from vendor B. Odoo selects the cheapest vendor automatically for automatic purchase suggestions.
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
Create an RFQ, add products and quantities, send to the vendor via email. The vendor responds, you update prices and confirm. The RFQ becomes a purchase order. The entire conversation is logged in the chatter.
Automatic purchasing
Reorder rules in the inventory module trigger purchase suggestions automatically. Stock level drops below minimum, Odoo creates a draft RFQ with the right vendor and quantity. You review and confirm. Or configure automatic confirmation for trusted vendors.
Receiving
When the delivery arrives: validate the receipt in the inventory module. Odoo links automatically to the purchase order. Received quantity is compared to ordered quantity. Partial deliveries are handled: an order for 100 units can be delivered in three batches.
Vendor invoice
Create the invoice from the purchase order (automatic linking). Compare price and quantity against the order. Discrepancies are flagged. Approved invoice is posted automatically to the correct accounts.
The entire chain: need arises → purchase suggestion → RFQ → purchase order → receiving → vendor invoice → payment. Each step linked to the next. Nothing falls through the cracks.